Couple claims winning ticket for St. Jude Dream Home

When Teresa Norden called the toll-free phone number to buy a ticket for the St. Jude Dream Home earlier this month, the salesperson asked her how many she wanted.

"Just one," she remembers saying.

"That's all it takes," the salesperson replied.

Norden found out how true that is Sunday, when the Sikeston, Mo., woman was selected as the winner for this year's home in Cape Girardeau.

"I thought about it for a while, but didn't think I should spend the money," said Norden. "I didn't really expect to win, I just bought it to help the kids."

She didn't tell her husband, John, about the purchasing the ticket. He happened to be the one to answer the phone when the St. Jude's representative called Sunday to inform them of their win.

"He thought they were trying to sell us something," said Norden. "He said, 'I'm not believing it until I see it.'"

The couple immediately drove to Cape Girardeau to see the home, which is valued at $320,000.

"It's gorgeous. Our house is okay, but this is great. It's a lot bigger," said Norden.

By the time they returned Sunday evening, the couple already had one message from someone offering to buy the home.

Teresa Norden said she and her husband have not decided what to do with the house just yet though.

Other winners in the Dream Home giveaway were:

Jayson Jewelers Ltd. three stone diamond pendant -- Joyce McKinley; Eugene's Total Care Salon and Spa 4-day packages -- Berneal Carroll; Tractor's Classic American Grill -- Madonna Thilenius; King Marine john boat, trolling motor and trailer -- Lottie Mon; Celebrations at the Tower dinner party -- Gary Thornberry; Plaza Tire and Service two set of tires and wheel alignment -- Mary Lynn Tack Evans; Hancock Fabrics two $500 gift certificates -- Elizabeth Creek; Regions Bank $1,000 savings bond -- Carol Conder; Budget Blinds $1,000 gift certificate -- Charles Alexander; Royal N'Orleans dinner for a year -- George Edwards; Garbers Menswear $1,000 wardrobe -- Opal Stone.

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128